The player starts the game with three lives; failure to reach the minimum standard in an event results in the loss of one life. Success in the 1500 meters event results in the game returning to Day 1 to repeat the events with more difficult qualification criteria.

Depending on the computer, running is simulated by hitting two keys (representing the left and right leg) alternately and as quickly as possible or by moving the joystick from side to side as quickly as possible. The game rapidly gained a reputation among players as a "joystick killer" because of the constant vigorous waggling of the joystick required during many of the events.

Sinclair User gave the game a score of 8/10.[3] It went on to become the biggest selling Spectrum game of Q4 1984.[4] The game won the award for Best (Overall) Arcade Game in Crash magazine's Readers Awards 1984[5][6] and was the Best Arcade-Style Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards.[7]